30 Costco Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

What are your greatest strenghts?

Which personal strengths make you excellent at your job? Strengths can be skills or qualities that help you overcome difficult circumstances or accomplish challenging tasks. In a work context, your strengths will help you to complete your to-do list, understand client needs, and help you to apply what you have learned in your training. Talk to the interviewer about a couple of your strengths and why those will help you to be successful in this role. If you can tie your strengths into the qualities mentioned in the job posting, even better!

Some great strengths to mention are:

- Communicative
- Loyal
- Collaborative
- Tech Savvy
- Flexible in Schedule/Availability
- Persistent and Determined
- Eager for Knowledge/New Skills

Rachelle's Answer

"My strongest skills that help me on a daily basis are my people-skills, and the ability to close a sale without being pushy. I relate to the customer, get to know them and their needs, build excellent rapport and can make solid recommendations that suit them. They buy, return, and repeat. And it is something I enjoy a lot. I love to see my regulars, hear about their lives, help them look and feel their best!"

Anonymous Answer

"My greatest strengths are listening."

Alexandra's Answer

Good answer! Try to elaborate on how this is a strength in the workplace. You could also consider adding 1-2 more strengths, as this is your chance to show what you bring to the table that other candidates may not.

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2.

What do you know about Costco's working environment?

Start off by telling the interviewer that you know Costco cares about its employees, and they like to ensure their staff is respected. Be sure to mention that you know Costco supports workplace equality for its employees, and they are focused on workplace ethics and obeying the law. Costco's website will also tell you that they are "a fast-paced team environment filled with challenges and opportunities." These are all great things to share with the interviewer!

Rachelle's Answer

"a fast-paced team environment filled with challenges and opportunities."

3.

What is your best personal trait?

The interviewer wants to learn more about who you are, at the core. Think about the one thing that people repeatedly commend you for; this is your answer to this question! If you are not sure of what to mention, you can take a free personality test, like 16personalities.com and comb through your results for ideas.

Rachelle's Answer

"I have been told that my best trait is my ability to relate to people. My co-workers often mention that they really admire this trait. I can strike up a meaningful conversation with nearly anyone."

4.

Would you enjoy handing out samples, socializing and promoting products to Costco members?

If you are applying for a job in a Costco store, then your answer should be very receptive to this type of task! The interviewer wants to hear that you are comfortable conversing with other people. As a customer service person, you are definitely a sociable person. Explain to the interviewer that you enjoy getting to know your co-workers, work hard to build relationships with your regular customers through simple interactions, and look forward coming to work each day in customer service. You might work best in a large group setting, or one-on-one interactions might be your thing. Either way, you are a sociable person, and you are okay promoting products to members.

Rachelle's Answer

"I think it would be great fun to converse with Costco members, encouraging them to try new products. I also think it would be enjoyable to gather feedback and thoughts on the customers' reactions to new products."

5.

What position at Costco would you most like to work?

As with any job interview, we recommend visiting the company website before arriving to learn what opportunities exist. You might be interested in an office job if a Costco office is located near you. You might be interested in becoming a Cake Decorator, a Cashier, a Meat Cutter, a Pharmacy Manager, a Stocker, or a Tire Installer to name a few!

Just visit the website before arriving at your interview, and be prepared for one role that you specifically have your eye on. Be sure to mention the position that you specifically applied to on the company website as well.

Rachelle's Answer

"I truly am willing to start anywhere, to show you that I am a valuable member of the Costco team. With that said, my biggest interest is in the bakery. I love baking and cake decorating. I often take custom orders from my family and friends, just for fun!"

6.

Where do you see yourself in the Costco organization in two years?

The interviewer wants to hear that you have realistic career progression expectations within Costco.

Tell the interviewer that you are excited about joining the team at Costco, and you anticipate that you will likely be in the same job in two years that you are hired for. If a promotion or another opportunity is available before then, that is great! But, you recognize that it takes time for developments and internal job changes to occur, so in two years, there is a good chance you will still be in the same job title, and that is okay with you! Be sure to mention that your goal is to learn as much as you can, so when the opportunity arises, you can be promoted.

If you are a student, tell the interviewer that you plan to stay at Costco through graduation in the role that you are hired into, and then share what career or further education you hope to be pursuing following graduation. If Costco offers jobs in your field, such as management, be sure to mention that you would be open to considering a career in your area at Costco if one is available upon graduation.

Rachelle's Answer

"In two years I would like to be on track for a promotion to assistant manager. I realize that a move like that takes time and dedication; both of which I am more than willing to contribute."

Anonymous Answer

"In 2 years, I expect that I will continue to be a successful Project Manager. If any opportunities are presented to me, and I feel I am a good fit, I will continue to reach for them and develop myself and be more of a value to the company and my co-workers."

Alexandra's Answer

Good answer!

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7.

What are some of your weaknesses?

Pick weaknesses that are not a core skill for this position. You can be candid in your answer; recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness.

Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar at a nearby community center. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!

Rachelle's Answer

"Everyone has weaknesses. I tend to be too nice sometimes. When vendors are not fulfilling their requirements, I tend to believe there must be a logical and understandable reason. I have to remind myself that we are paying for a service and they must meet our expectations."

Anonymous Answer

"One of my main weaknesses is turning away work. I feel guilty for saying, "I can not take anything more on," but have learned to say I can't."

Alexandra's Answer

I think this answer is a little unclear. You mention that turning away work is a weakness, but the way you describe it sounds like a strength. This is definitely a tough interview question. Instead of spinning it this way, I recommend describing a true weakness and then a way that you are combatting it. You could also position it as "One time I received a piece of feedback that I could be better at ____. Since then, I've done XYZ to improve."

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8.

How do you define good member service?

Tell the interviewer that excellent member service is having a positive attitude and doing what it takes to ensure the customer comes back to your store. You might share that you think excellent customer service means having a smile on your face, saying please & thank you, and providing a great experience for the member.

Rachelle's Answer

"To me, great member service means that my customers are happier when they leave than when they initially arrived. I want every Costco member to feel like they received their money's worth from their membership commitment. This contentment should come from excellent service and variety in new products."

9.

How do you expect to make a difference at Costco?

The interviewer wants to hear that you are passionate about working at Costco and have thought about how you can make a positive impact while working there. Think about what kind of impact you could make. Possible things that might come to mind are:

- Creating a favorable environment for members by smiling, asking them if you can help them find something, and providing them with excellent service.
- Building business relationships with your co-workers, so everyone looks forward to coming to work each day.
- By helping ensure a place that provides solutions for birthday gifts, wedding gifts, baby gifts, home decor, and all the other fun things we look forward to shopping for!

Whatever comes to mind that you are passionate about, share it with the interviewer!

Rachelle's Answer

"I expect to make a difference at Costco by being a team member who encourages a high-performance, positive workplace mindset. I want to ensure that the customers at this location are always happy to be here and that they find what they need."

10.

Tell me about a time when you had to be a leader. How was the outcome?

The interviewer wants to hear about a positive experience you have had with leadership. Think about a time when you led a sports team, led a college project, managed a store, or coached a little league team. These are all great examples!

Talk about your desire to be a leader with Costco in the future. Share with the interviewer that you strive to be a role model for others. Explain that you jump at the opportunity to lead groups, encourage your counterparts, and be a face of the organization when challenges arise.

Rachelle's Answer

"In my current position, I am the president of the social committee. I love that I have the opportunity to encourage employee engagement while being a positive influence on the workplace culture. I am a natural leader because I start with leading by example. As a leader, I make myself available to others who need mentor-ship, a bit of assistance in adjusting to their role, or just a listening ear when they've had a tough day. I am confident in my leadership abilities and look forward to joining your team in a leadership role."

11.

You have been out of work for a while, what have you been doing?

If you have a gap in your employment history, be prepared to discuss what you have been doing during this time. The interviewer needs to hear that you have been doing something productive with your time. You might share how you have been spending your days searching for jobs. Perhaps you have been caring for a loved one who is ill. Maybe you have been lucky enough to take a European vacation. Or, perhaps you have been furthering your education. Just share with the interviewer how you have been productive with your time.

Rachelle's Answer

"I have been out of work for the past three months; however, I have not been stagnant. I took a trip to Italy to see family and have been doing a significant amount of community outreach work to fill my time while I look for that perfect position."

12.

What is your personal mission statement?

The interviewer would like to know if you have a personal motto or mantra. Not everyone has a mission statement or personal mantra just off the cuff. In business, especially when entering leadership, this is an important question to ponder. Do you have a quote that inspires you or a saying that you grew up with that resonates with you?

Rachelle's Answer

"My mission statement is to love myself first, stick up for others, and make the world a better place than it was when I arrived here. I am big on mindfulness, and this mental shift in me has made me a better person."

13.

How would your references describe you?

The interviewer wants to hear that your references will positively describe you. Think about the positive things your references have said about you in the past. Be specific about what each reference may say about you by including an example of when you made an impact on their lives. For instance, you might say, "My reference, John Smith, has told me that I am a hard worker, and he has told me that he likes how I am always happy to be at work!" These concrete examples will be sure to impress the interviewer!

Rachelle's Answer

"My reference, John Smith, has told me that I am a hard worker, and he has told me that he likes how I am always happy to be at work!"

Anonymous Answer

"I am hard-working and goal-oriented."

Alexandra's Answer

Great answer!

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14.

Tell me about your experience in working in retail.

The interviewer wants to learn more about your background and experience.

If you don't have any experience, it's okay! Tell the interviewer that you do not have any experience in the industry, and you look forward to making the transition and learning everything there is to know! You can rely on your volunteer work, if you have any, and discuss the parallels to retail such as being customer facing or providing a valuable service.

If you have experience in retail, share where you have worked, your job title, and how long you were employed there. Add a sentence or two about what your job duties were in each role as well. Be sure to mention that you really enjoy this industry, and you look forward to continuing to work in retail industry roles. Also, refer to any key achievements.

Rachelle's Answer

"I have worked in a retail environment for the past three years, often being voted as the employee of the month. I have some training in inventory management, customer service, and dispute resolution. I look forward to furthering retail training with Costco."

Anonymous Answer

"I have been working in CVS Pharmacy for over five years. I initially began at CVS as a pharmacy technician extern and was offered a job. In eight months, I was promoted to a senior technician, and more recently I have been promoted to a pharmacy intern. I have learned a lot during my time with Walgreens such as problem-solving, multi-tasking, and time management."

Rachelle's Answer

It's great that you mentioned yous quick job promotion, and the skills you have gained. In this response, you outline your work history in a way that is easy to understand and follow.

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Anonymous Answer

"I spent six years developing customer experiences and being a project manager."

Alexandra's Answer

Good answer! I would consider adding more information here describing what your responsibilities were and what impact you had.

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15.

How well do you handle customer complaints?

Addressing customer complaints is an essential part of customer service, and the interviewer wants to hear that you are okay talking through a customer's complaint. Tell the interviewer that you do not mind addressing customer complaints, and you recognize that most customers have good intentions when coming forth with an issue.

Tell the interviewer that you take time to listen to everything the customer has to say first to ensure you truly understand what they are upset about. Next, share that you make eye contact with the customer and sincerely apologize to them. Finally, be sure to mention that you offer to correct any mistakes that were made or take the appropriate action to rectify the situation.

Rachelle's Answer

"I would rate myself as an 8/10 when it comes to my customer complaint management skills. I have worked in a retail environment for a few years where these complaints are inevitable; however, I am also interested in learning the Costco way when it comes to handling customer complaints."

Anonymous Answer

"Start by listening and remain calm. Come up with a resolution that makes the customer happy, but does not allow them to take advantage."

Alexandra's Answer

Great answer! This shows the action you take and the reason that you take the action.

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16.